Highly synergistic effect of ionic liquids and Zn-based catalysts for synthesis of cyclic carbonates from urea and diols

Synthesis of Propylene Carbonate by Urea Alcoholysis—Recent Advances

Organic carbonates are considered the chemicals of the future. In particular, propylene carbonate is widely used as a non-reactive solvent, plasticizer, fuel additive, and reagent, especially in the production of environmentally friendly polymers that are not harmful to human health. This paper reviews recent literature findings regarding the development of propylene carbonate synthetic methods starting from propane-1,2-diol and urea. The ammonia formed during the synthesis is recycled to obtain urea from carbon dioxide.

Cascade (Dithio)Carbonate Ring Opening Reactions for Self-Blowing Polyhydroxythiourethane Foams

Polyurethane (PU) foams are very common materials that have found many applications over the years. Their use is constantly improving due to their unique physical properties and easy blowing which does not require the addition of a blowing agent. Greener routes have been explored in the recent years to replace isocyanates. One of the most promising routes is leading to Polyhydroxyurethanes (PHU). However, with PHUs, external blowing agent are usually required to obtain a foam. Thus, our work focuses on PHU foam synthesis using in situ reaction to produce NIPU foam. Hence, the aminolysis of thiocyclic carbonate triggers Pearson reaction between released thiols and cyclic carbonates which serves as a chemical blowing agent. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.